Library Science and Information Studies
School Librarianship (for Licensed Teachers) Concentration
4101 Educational Building
Hampton Boulevard
Department of STEM and Professional Studies
757-683-4305
Elizabeth Burns, Graduate Program Director
This degree and concentration are intended for licensed teachers seeking to add a School Library Endorsement to their Teaching License. Students interested in school librarianship who do not have a teaching license will be advised through the Master of Library and Information Studies degree and may have additional coursework and requirements.
The purpose of the Master of Library and Information Studies is to prepare students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills that will enable them to become highly proficient librarians, media specialists, and information authorities. This includes, but is not limited to, professional positions in academic libraries, public libraries, school libraries, and special libraries such as health sciences, law, or business libraries as well as positions for information specialists in health environments, museums, businesses, government and other agencies.
Graduates of the program will be prepared to manage libraries, select and organize library collections, and interact with library patrons to determine and fulfill information and media needs. Further, librarianship has become a technology-based career and the proposed program reflects this focus. Through specific skills taught in the courses contained in the program of study, individuals will engage in the collection, organization, retrieval, preservation, management, and dissemination of information resources to enrich cultures within society. Thus, MLIS graduates will also be trained to perform tasks such as analyzing patron information requests, assisting in finding information sources including print, audio-video, and virtual information, and teaching information literacy skills.
Coursework for the MLIS is offered asynchronously and online. Coursework is project-based and students are expected to spend time in a library or other information setting for most courses. All students complete an internship. This program is available online.
The Master of Library and Information Studies Program at Old Dominion University is accredited by the American Library Association Committee on Accreditation, with the status of Initial accreditation. The next comprehensive review visit is scheduled for Fall 2028.
Admission
Master of Library and Information Studies
School Librarianship (for Licensed Teachers*) Concentration
Students must:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree in any field from a regionally accredited college/university;
- Have an undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0;
- Apply for admission to the Office of Graduate Admissions;
- Submit a current resume;
- Submit a writing sample addressing a prompt supplied by admissions;
- Hold the Virginia Collegiate Professional License or an equivalent license from another state.
Under certain circumstances, applicants who do not fully meet the requirements for regular admission to the program may be admitted on a provisional basis.
* Students interested in school librarianship who do not have a Virginia Collegiate Professional License or an equivalent license from another state should apply to the Master of Library and Information Studies (without the concentration). They will be advised advised through the Master of Library and Information Studies degree and may have additional coursework and requirements.
Deadlines
New students may apply and are admitted for the fall, spring, or summer semester.
Deadline for priority Summer admissions is March 1.
Deadline for priority Fall admissions is April 1.
Deadline for priority Spring admissions is Nov. 1.
Additional Requirements
Master of Library and Information Studies
School Librarianship (for Licensed Teachers) Concentration
Continuance
Students must:
- maintain a grade point average of 3.00;
- have a criminal background check completed prior to placement in any field experience. For more information please review the policy in the Teacher Education Services website: http://www.odu.edu/oce.
- complete the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) modules during the first twelve graduate credit hours at Old Dominion University. For more information review the instructions at: https://www.odu.edu/impact/responsible-conduct-of-training,
- earn at least a "B-" in courses; any courses in which the student has made below a "B-" must be repeated or, if applicable, substituted.
Exit
Students must:
- have a 3.00 grade point average;
- earn at least a B- in courses. No courses in which the student has made below a "B-" will be accepted for the degree.
- complete all course and credit hour requirements;
- submit an application for graduation; and
- Submission of an electronic portfolio (E-portfolio) will serve as the comprehensive exam in the program. Students are expected to develop an E-portfolio that represents their mastery of standards, examples of projects completed in the program, and a focus on their individual strengths and beliefs about the profession including a resume and statement of philosophy.
No courses in the academic major or professional education in which the student has made below a "B-" will be accepted for licensure requirements in the Darden College of Education.
